A powerful M5.7 solar flare occurred on Sunday, May 10, triggering an impressive coronal mass ejection (CME) that could hit Earth’s magnetic shield this evening and trigger aurora borealis shows at high latitudes.
According to Space.com, the flare peaked at 13:39 GMT (16:39 Romanian time), coming from the active region AR4436, now in the area from which solar phenomena can be directed to Earth, on the northeastern edge of the Sun.
Although most of the solar material appears to pass by Earth, NOAA (US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and UK Met Office experts say that some could come close to the planet around May 13.
This could cause a minor geomagnetic storm and aurora borealis in the northern US and UK.
Solar flares are classified using a scale with categories A, B, C, M and X – the latter being the strongest category.
Each step represents a tenfold increase in energy production. The May 10 event reached an intensity of M 5.7, making it a powerful eruption capable of disrupting radio communications on Earth.
According to NOAA, the solar flare caused radio communications disruptions over the Atlantic Ocean. These problems occur when intense radiation from the Sun affects Earth’s upper atmosphere and disrupts the radio signals used by pilots and navigators.
The timing of the eruption is also important for aurora borealis enthusiasts. Almost two years ago, on May 10, 2024, the Earth was hit by the strongest geomagnetic storm in the last two decades.
The historic event produced spectacular auroras visible far beyond their usual regions, with observers reporting the appearance of the northern lights to mid-latitudes, including southern Florida and Mexico.
Although the latest coronal mass ejection is not expected to produce a phenomenon comparable to the May 2024 storm, experts say the weak impact of the May 10 eruption could generate conditions for a minor geomagnetic storm this week.
Looking ahead, both NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center and the UK’s Met Office warn that we could be headed for a period of more intense solar activity.
Both agencies agree that there is a chance for additional M flares and perhaps even X flares in the coming days as the AR4436 and AR4432 sunspot regions continue to evolve.
